Here it was the way I got it... some consolation, it was pretty crusty (cat pee maybe?) the fork was bent back a little. The hub was also a crappy SW model, only made for a couple years but somehow I keep finding them....

Well, my one consolation point is that it itsn't black and I'm looking for a black one... But...

I won't lie. Under the dirt and dust, with careful cleanup, that's a flippin' gorgeous bike waiting to appear.

If the fork was just bent back, I'd have considered trying to straighten it. (Bad idea, I know) but picture 2 shows the damage you mentioned on the thread that didn't get much notice, it does look like multiple damage spot stuff...

Keep an eye open for me, yeah?

But you know what? I'm looking through these pictures again, and damn. That is a tasty 50's bike. !

Sure will. You should post a WTB ad in craigslist, that is how that guy got the Phillips from me.
You never know

I have, (twice on each now) but all I got from both (my city is between two large ones) was a single email from a guy who had one he'd sell me for $20.

When he realized I was actually interested, he told me there were no handlebars or stem.

I told him I could replace those. When did he want to meet up?

He never replied.

My day off, I write him, ready to buy it, go to the store for handlebars, and ride it around happily in circles. The e-mail reply:

"uhh sorry i asked my grandma and its hers and she didnt want to sell it"

So.

Yep. Besides, varsities go for $150 here. My CL isn't chep, it's a lot of people trying to make money fast. Not people trying to free up space. *sigh* But I continue this quest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbalke

You could do like I did and build your own. Found a frame on e-Bay for almost nothing and had it stripped
and powder coated black.

Your bike came out great, man! Does it have a thread here on bikeforums? Now, did you just buy the frame, then get the hub and clipon parts, and cottered cranks? Or how'd you go about it?

It came out really well, but I do think I'd like to buy a finished one. All my bikes are refinishes, restorations, etc, and I really want something legit. You know, so I can say, "yeah, this is my Phillips- from 1958! Something about a nice slow bike from pre-1980 appeals to me.

ISO - 26 x 1 1/4" tires. Dunlop, Panaracer etc. This is for the 597bsd wheels used on the English/UK "club" bikes. Also, I'm always on the look-out for 597bsd wheels and/or rims. Drop me a line if you know of anything. Thx in advance, PG.

A set of 30 year-old French pedals--either road or platform--with French threads for my 30 year-old Gitane SprintA very nice 6 or 7-speed freewheel with a 28 or 30 tooth cog for low gear for friend who's going to be riding RAGBRAI in July